The Forest Lion

"But you, Beit-Lechem near Efrat, so small among the clans of Y'hudah, out of you will come forth to me the future ruler of Isra'el, whose origins are far in the past, back in ancient times.  Therefore he will give up Isra'el only until she who is in labor gives birth. Then the rest of his kinsmen will return to the people of Isra'el.  He will stand and feed his flock in the strength of ADONAI, in the majesty of the name of ADONAI his G-d; and they will stay put, as he grows great to the very ends of the earth; ... Then the remnant of Ya'akov, surrounded by many peoples, will be like dew from ADONAI, like showers on the grass, which doesn't wait for a man or expect anything from mortals.  The remnant of Ya'akov among the nations, surrounded by many peoples, will be like a lion among forest animals, like a young lion among flocks of sheep - if it passes through, tramples and tears to pieces, there is no one to rescue them.  Your hand will be raised over your enemies; all your adversaries will be destroyed."

Many refer to this passage from Micah 5 for it's indication of the birthplace of Mashiach, Bethlehem, and rightly so, but there is so much more contained within it. 
On the surface, the concept of Mashiach having timeless origins, "from everlasting" as some translations render it, is clearly seen. Entire books can be written about that alone, but, curiously, we also see here that He "gives up Israel" while she is in labor, returning to her, apparently once she "gives birth". This is in no way an abandonment of the Covenant People of HaShem, but it certainly seems to indicate a withdrawal (and subsequent return) on the part of Mashiach. And who is this child born to her? "His kinsmen" - and they are seen returning to Israel. This is the actual birth process. Very interesting. Interesting because Mashiach "feeds His flock" and they "stay put" while He continues to grow to the ends of the earth. I believe that we are actually seeing this prophecy being fulfilled right now. 

I don't believe that the spread of Constantine's politically mandated religion, Christianity, is what is being spoken of here. This is, apparently, something else entirely. That the worldwide spread of Christianity happened before Israel began returning to the Land is a well documented, and all too tragic fact of history. I sincerely believe that the time of its spreading has come to an end. I truly believe this verse is referring to the restoration of Torah across the earth through Messianic Judaism - and I believe that this is the prophesied "fullness of the gentiles" spoken of in Romans 11:25.

Even more interesting is the idea that the "remnant of Yakov... doesn't wait for a man or expect anything from mortals." Could this be an allusion to the rejection of Mashiach Yeshua in the collective hearts and minds of Israel until the veil is supernaturally removed? If Israel believes Yeshua to be a mere man, as many of His kinsman presently do, they have little need for Him. But surrounded by their enemies, in desperate need of salvation from G-d, they will finally see Him revealed. They will be victorious over the enemies surrounding them. Mashiach will rescue His People. As Yosef, in time, and only after saving them, revealed himself to his brothers, Klal Israel will look upon Him who was likewise rejected. They will finally recognize their Brother. They will know Yeshua, their Redeemer.